This week I head into my eighth year as an English teacher at a local homeschooling co-op. Each group of students and their families has been entirely unique--one year I had three sets of twins! However, the same issues tend to crop up as we grow and learn together. If you attend a co-op, here … Continue reading Five things your homeschool co-op teacher wants you to know
Tag: colorblindness
Finding a diagnosis at last
Imagine what it would be like to live with a vision condition for more than 70 years, wondering why you can't accomplish some tasks that seem so easy to those around you. Knowing you see colors differently than everyone else, but not knowing why. This is what happened to my friend Lee, who was diagnosed … Continue reading Finding a diagnosis at last
Three reasons to run — not walk — to a homeschool forum
In my new book on homeschooling I spend a little time singing the praises of my powerhouse local support group, Midwest Parent Educators (MPE). One of its particular strengths is the annual conference and curriculum fair. Free for MPE members, the show could not be more convenient or affordable. Here are three reasons every homeschooler … Continue reading Three reasons to run — not walk — to a homeschool forum
Five signs your child is red-green colorblind
The earlier a diagnosis of colorblindness comes, the easier life in general is going to be for your little one. One of my friends wasn't diagnosed until he was a teenager. I hate to think of the educational and daily obstacles he had to face with that undetected disability! If you suspect your child is … Continue reading Five signs your child is red-green colorblind
“Silly Papa, your eyes don’t work”
Ben is a 38-year-old financial planner who lives in suburban San Francisco with his wife and two young daughters. His life is pretty fantastic, but thanks to colorblindness, it has definitely not been the path he had pictured when he was a teen. When designing his high school class ring, Ben included an "aviation" insignia … Continue reading “Silly Papa, your eyes don’t work”
You learn to live with it
Today I celebrate international Left-Handers' Day as a proud member of that community. My dad is left-handed so I didn't notice I was a minority until I broke my wrist in third grade gym class. From the minute the doctor came in to apply the full-arm cast until after he sawed the cast off I … Continue reading You learn to live with it
Mommy grief
After a busy Wednesday evening of cooking, cleaning and waving my husband and two elementary-aged kids out the door to church, my one-week-old son and I were enjoying some peaceful time together as I plopped him in the bathroom sink. Suddenly he let out an uncharacteristic wail -- the kind of sound that makes a … Continue reading Mommy grief
There’s no pill for that
I was privileged just now to experience one of the marvels of spring. The potpourri of colorful flowering trees often takes my breath away, yet tonight the setting sun added a rare layer of enchantment. Just as I topped a hill driving home down a familiar street, the orange rays alighted on one of those … Continue reading There’s no pill for that